Argument Essay Note
Argument Essay Note
Argument Essay Note
Writing
Anca T-Hummel
NBCT-AYA/ELA
taus-hummel@phoenixunion.org
Joanna Nichols
I.L. English
jnichols@phoenixunion.org
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
The argumentative essay
is a genre of writing that requires
you to:
1. investigate a topic;
2. collect, generate, and evaluate
evidence; and
3. establish a position on the topic in a
concise manner.
Everyday Life Example
When we argue:
Claim Bob: That was a lame movie!
Suzy: Why?
Evidence Bob: The special effects were bad. The
monsters were obviously fake.
Counterclaim Suzy: I thought the movie was good
because the acting was believable.
Bob’s bad response: You are an idiot.
Refutation Bob’s good response: Yes the acting was
good but the horrible special effects
were too distracting and caused
some awkward moments.
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PERSUASION versus
ARGUMENTATION
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Difference between
Persuasive and Argumentative Essay
A persuasive essay An argumentative
essay
May make a claim based on
opinion Makes claims based on factual
May not take opposing ideas evidence (research)
into account Makes counterclaims – the
Persuades by appealing to the author takes opposing views into
audience’s emotion or by relying account.
on the character or credentials of Neutralizes or “defeats” serious
the writer opposing ideas
Convinces audience through
Emotion-based the merit and rationality of the
claim and proofs offered
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Elements of Argumentation
Argument/Claim
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Elements of Argumentation
Counterargument/Counterclaim
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Elements of Argumentation
Refutation
Simply disproving an opposing argument. It
is an important skill because it is how a
writer successfully convinces the audience
of the validity of his/her own argument.
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The Rhetorical Triangle – remember me?
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Why is Organization Important in
Argument Writing?
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Organizing Your Argument
Title
Introduction
• Thesis statement
Body Paragraphs
• Constructing Topic
Sentences
• Building Main Points
• Countering the Opposition
Conclusion
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Title: Why You Need One
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Creating a Title
Try to grab attention by:
• offering a provocative image
• picking up on words or examples offered in
the body or conclusion of the paper
• asking a question
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Practice
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What is an Introduction?
Acquaints the reader with the topic and purpose
of the paper
Generates the audience’s interest in the topic
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Methods for Constructing an Introduction
personal anecdote
example-real or hypothetical
question
quotation
shocking statistics
striking image
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Practice
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What is a Thesis Statement?
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Thesis Practice
Which thesis statement is the most effective for an argument about
the need for V-chips in television sets?
This paper will describe a V-chip and examine the uses of the V-
chip in American-made television sets.
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Practice
Take your Model Argument Essay.
Close read the first paragraph.
Identify and highlight the Thesis Statement
Does the thesis statement
- Let you know the main idea of the paper?
- Answer the question: “What am I trying to
prove?”
- Is the thesis statement not a factual statement, but a
claim that has to be proven throughout the
paper?
Be prepared to share your answer with your partner
or class.
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Body Paragraphs and Topic Sentences
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Body Paragraphs
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Offering a Counterargument
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Placement of a Counterargument
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Organizing Ideas into an Outline
d t he
e y o n
g b s sa y
o vin aph e
m r ag r
5-pa
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Research in Body Paragraphs
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Conclusion
Your conclusion should reemphasize the main points
made in your paper.
You may choose to reiterate a call to action or
speculate on the future of your topic, when
appropriate.
Avoid raising new claims in your conclusion.
Introduction: Tell them what you’re going to tell
them
Body: Tell them
Conclusion: Tell them what you told them
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Recap: Organizing Your Argument
Title
Introduction
• Thesis statement
Body Paragraphs
• Constructing Topic
Sentences
• Building Main Points
• Countering the
Opposition
Conclusion 29
Key Terms to Learn
1. a person who disagrees with
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Argumentation ___
something and speaks against it
2. the act or process of forming
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Refutation _____ reasons, drawing conclusions, and
applying them to a case in discussion
3. point or statement that supports
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Proponent _____ one’s ideas and/or thesis
4. point or statement in opposition to
the argument being made in a written
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Opponent _____ document or speech
5. the process of discrediting the
arguments that oppose your thesis
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Counter Argument (CON) ____ statement
6. someone who argues in favor of
3 something; advocate
Pro Argument (PRO) _____
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Practice
Close Read the Model Argument Essay. While
marking the text, specifically highlight the
Claim
Counterarguments/Counterclaims
Refutation
Does the conclusion meet the requirements?
What changes, if any, would you make?
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Check the web site: http://owl.english.purdue.edu
for further info.
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